ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Hank Rowlinson
Hank and his Family
WHERE I COME FROM
Born in the Historic Métis community of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Hank and his wife Loma reside in Sudbury. He is the proud father of 8 children (ages 16-36) and 7 grandchildren. Hank and Loma have also had 11 foster children.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Hank has been a dedicated full time employee of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) for 21 years. Here is a quick overview of some of his notable positions:
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Present: Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario
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2009-2020: MNO Manager of Community Relations
2008: MNO Manager of Lands, Resources & Consultation
2005-09: Elected National Co-President of the Aboriginal Peoples Commission of Canada
2005: Conflict Resolution, CICR
2001-04: Elected President of the Aboriginal Peoples Commission of Ontario
1999: MNO Senior Policy Analyst
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1994: Labour Law
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1990-99: CUPE President, Education Sector, Sault Ste. Marie
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![]() Austin | ![]() Family PhotoHank with his wife and their children. |
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![]() Dakota | ![]() Dalton |
![]() Alexander "AJ" | ![]() Shelbey |
![]() HankA new look. | ![]() Caitlind 'KT' |
![]() Scottwith his youngest Ella | ![]() Ashley |
KEY PRIORITIES
Integrity at the Executive Table
Leadership: ​Provide leadership, accountability and transparency.​
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Respect: No new major policy or legislation without the consent of the people.
Advocate: Will bring a strong voice for Métis citizens to the MNO Executive table.
Collaboration: Will work with the people and the executive to strive for consensus.
​Communications: Be proactive instead of reactive.
Accountability: All PCMNO motions and resolutions will be brought to the citizens at the next AGA for approval.
Transparency: Provide a briefing note to community councils after every PCMNO meeting in a timely manner.
Fighting For What's Right
Inclusion: It is critical that all citizens are plugged into the discussions and dialogue moving forward.
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Self-Determination: We must have a Citizenship Community Acceptance Process that engages citizens to contribute and provide input into self-determination and what community acceptance will look like.
Referendum: Ensure that the referendum mandated within the Self-Government agreement is carried out prior to signing.
Self-Governance: Actively participate in the development of a Metis Constitution ensuring input from grassroots citizens and extensive consultation, on our timetable.
Métis Historical Research: Complete the research in Nipissing/French River and identify funding for research across the province including Windsor and Peterborough to the Ottawa Valley.
Mobility Rights: Priorities and processes to be developed and put in place - get out of the grips of the MNR.
Land Claims: Treaty 3, Penetanguishene, and Robinson Superior. Let's get moving!
Rights: Will continue to advocate and fight for Métis rights.
Making the MNO Relevant
Captains of the Hunt: Develop a selection Process with input from harvesters.
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Intergovernmental Relations: Will continue to maintain and develop relationships with First Nations, Federal and Provincial Governments.
Culture: Reinvigorate the Métis Nation of Ontario Cultural Commission and provide assistance to councils with cultural activities and celebrations.
Mental Wellness: Look to better support our Mental Health program. Training and hiring or contracting certified Métis Mental Health and Addictions professionals.
Seniors: Initiate and develop a Métis Seniors Strategy and Support Network
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Veterans: Provide administrative and Mental Health supports. Have a PMCNO member work closely with our Veterans to identify and address their unique needs.
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University: Secure post-secondary University funding to meet the needs of our citizens.
Education: MNO citizens to have priority consideration for education funding over self-identified applicants. Self-identified Metis must show proof of Indigenous ancestry.
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Women & Youth: Designated staff support to coordinate outreach, meetings, events, and concerns and providing regular briefing notes to the PCMNO.
Staffing: A review and analysis of MNO staffing and create a positive environment for staff retention.
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Communications: Develop a vibrant communications strategy to improve citizen outreach. Provide communications support and mentoring to our Women, Youth, Veterans and Community Councils. Look to options for citizens to have their voices heard if they cannot attend the Annual General Assembly in person.
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